In this episode, I chat with Ben Ricciardi, a marketing whiz and Instagram heavyweight with over a million followers, about what it really takes to make it as an influencer and entrepreneur in 2024. Ben dishes on his journey from local TV host to founding his own agency, the 10 Times 10 Group, and drops some serious knowledge about building a personal brand in today's crazy digital world. We get into the nitty-gritty of social media trends, keeping it real online, and the hustle needed to stand out from the crowd. Ben serves up some solid advice for anyone looking to make waves as an influencer or entrepreneur, and we even talk about how the pandemic shook things up for him and where he thinks marketing and AI are headed next.

I kick off season 2 with Julie Macklowe, a fascinating human who defies the "socialite" label often attached to her name. We dive into Julie's experiences at the Met Gala, her love for whiskey, and how it led her to create her own luxury American single malt brand, The Macklowe. Julie shares insights into navigating the male-dominated spirits industry and her journey from finance to founding a whiskey company. We also discuss the challenges of living in New York City today and Julie's unique perspective on travel destinations. Throughout our conversation, Julie's passion for whiskey and business shines through, offering listeners a glimpse into the world of high-end spirits and entrepreneurship.

I wrap up season one of Good Listen with Mary Helen Bowers, a former professional ballerina with the New York City Ballet. We discuss her journey from being a young girl in North Carolina dreaming of becoming a ballerina, to making that dream a reality by training at the prestigious School of American Ballet as a teenager. Mary Helen provides a fascinating inside look at the intense world of elite ballet. She sheds light on the incredible physical and mental demands, requiring an almost monastic lifestyle of constant training, discipline, and sacrifice from a very young age. Despite the difficulties, Mary Helen made it to the top, even training Natalie Portman for her role in the film Black Swan. After retiring from dancing, she started her own fitness company called Ballet Beautiful, allowing her to share her passion for ballet in a healthier, more positive way focused on strength, artistry, and longevity. Her story is an inspiring example of sustained commitment to one's calling, while also evolving to live that passion in an authentic, fulfilling way.